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The kitchen is the heart of the home and that heart just might have an attack this year if the trend gods were designing it. It’s pretty darn exciting, if ‘exciting’ is what you are into. Here are some of my favorite kitchen trends (both new and resurrected) and how I feel about them, including how long I think they’ll last.

Black: Homeowners have been terrified of this color for quite some time (including me) and it is very seldom that a client will let you go in and paint their entire kitchen black, but just as black works with everything in the closet, black can also work for our home. The updated black this year is slightly charcoal and also mixes in a lot of natural elements and whites into the space to keep it from feeling too dark, gothic, and moody. (sources: , , 3)

Longevity: Make sure you can handle it and that your kitchen is bright enough before you go black. I think for resale you are taking a risk, for sure, but I also think that black is a color that doesn’t go out of style, especially in cities. Make sure it’s big and make sure it does’t go too ‘bachelor pad’ with the rest of the furniture and accessories. If you are worried consider doing it just on your bottoms (cabinets, that is). Or hey, just paint an accent wall. In other words I think that this has 5+ years of longevity.

Organic Woven Basket Pendants: Organic and woven pendants are everywhere, especially over an island. They are not new to the game, but they are getting some updated lines, shapes, and tones which help to break up the all the hard surfaces that tend to be in the kitchen. Generally they are very affordable, which makes it an easy trend to jump on board with. I love this trend and am all about it. We even did our own DIY version a while back which I still love.

Longevity: I give this one quite a bit of longevity as the basket trend continues to stay strong year after year and organic materials are always a winner in design. When have baskets ever been out of style? If they are organic/handmade/one of a kind baskets I’d say they have 30+ years. For mass produced baskets think more around 15 – 20 years. (sources: , , )

Cement Tiles: If you live on Pinterest you are no stranger to cement tiles right now. I’ve used them myself in some projects and love them. I’d warn you to make sure that the style of the house works with the style of the pattern so you aren’t dating yourself in 15 years. There are so many patterns out there now that work with almost every style, but my rule is to keep the tile reminiscent of the style of the house that it is in as that will give the tile style and design more longevity. (sources: , , )

Longevity: The bolder and more colorful (or on-trend) the less years you have to be hot. I think this trend has legs, but it will continue to become more and more ‘normal’ every day, so be careful. At the same time these age so well that they can look original and new to the house really fast (in a good way). The more hand-painted the longer they’ll feel beautiful. But no matter what, they add serious personality to a kitchen.

Glass Front Cabinetry: Certainly not a strictly 2016 trend, but its one that you should certainly think about to help you make your kitchen feel bigger – it helps break up the uppers from the lowers. Warning – that means you have to own pretty things, then put them up there and keep them looking all magazine -perfect.

Longevity: I give this one 30+ years as it has been a staple in traditional kitchens for quite some time but is now bleeding into other styles. (sources: , , )

Marble: Carrara or Carrara wannabes were and continue to be VERY popular in 2016. An all white kitchen may not be for everyone, and marble did take a backseat (or backsplash? ha) in the last 10 years as it is not the most durable of materials. But, with all of the new options out there you can get marble (or the look of marble) to suit your style and kitchen needs.

Longevity: White will forever be in trend so I would say this one is here to stay as long as it doesn’t have too much veining in it. 25+ years. (sources: , , )

Plywood: Plywood throughout the home was big in modern design in the 80’s and 90’s and is now seeing a new fresh take in the kitchen. Yes, we get that this may not be for everyone but for the right house, the right setting, and the right space it is very chic and can be very affordable.

Longevity: I worry about the longevity of both the material and the trend, but that doesn’t meant that I don’t love it. It’s also a really easy thing to paint so if you are into the trend then go for it and then plan to repaint in 8 years when you are sick of it or when it’s filthy with fingerprints. (sources:, , )

One Shelf: My eyes say YES, but my functional mom-brain that knows I need a place to stuff sippy cups, bottles, and mismatched bowls says NO WAY. If you are a minimalist, can keep things clean and know how to put things back in their place like a proper human being should, then this trend could work for you. But, if you open up your kitchen cabinets and an avalanche of tupperware covers you then I would say steer clear of this one.

Longevity: As long as you can handle keeping that one shelf clean and not filled with clutter before you rip it out and put something more useful in. (sources: , , )

Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets: The two-tone or tuxedo style cabinets became very big a few years ago and then fell onto the back burner for a bit (look at all these kitchen puns we have going on.) But we are starting to see them bleed back in ferociously and with very swoon-worthy results. The trick to making this trend work is by having either the tops or the bottoms in a totally neutral color. In other words if you know you want navy blue bottoms then stick to white/grey/wood tone on the uppers. Balance is key in this trend. I even adopted this one into my own kitchen.

Longevity: hopefully really long as that is what I have in my kitchen, but realistically 20 yrs. If you go more neutral you have longer (I went navy and white). But also remember that painting can be affordable so if you have ugly cabinets that you hate, paint them instead of replacing them. It’s still the most affordable way to update your kitchen. (sources: , , )

Open Shelving: Certainly less new, but this trend falls in the same family as the one shelf trend you saw earlier in the post, although this one actually requires a bit more work, if you can believe that. For the open shelving concept to work you not only have to be a clean person, but you have to keep all your dishes and items you are displaying in a strict and minimal color palette. If you are the person that has one cup from every place you have visited and a collection of vintage mismatched china this may not be the trend for you.

Longevity: For neat people with beautiful things: FOREVER. For the rest of us: until it drives us nuts.I’d suggest doing a couple open shelves, then enough storage in uppers to accomodate your unmentionables. (sources: , , )

Shaker/Farmhouse/Windsor Style: This trend is a true blast from the past as America’s primitive past. The very first kitchen/dining rooms had exactly what you see below, a collection of mismatched and shaker/farmhouse style chairs around a big table. It is all about gathering and family with this trend. It may seem easy to adopt as you think you can just head out and grab a few mismatched chairs and throw them around your table. But, it does take a little more thought than that. To keep it from looking too thrifted, keep the chairs to one or two colors or tones and stay away from mass produced or anything too generic. The more simple, classic and antique the chair the better and if you have a basket collection on your wall consider yourself ahead of the trend.

Shiplap Walls: This trend hit big during the 90s when everyone seemed to want a little piece of Cape Cod in their home and this year we are seeing some updated versions. To keep it from leaning too traditional add some modern elements in with your appliances, lighting, and accessories. I for one love this as its just a beautiful and simple texture (A STRIPE!!) on the wall. Nobody has ever been offended by subtle stripes by way of a texture.

Longevity: Forever. It’s so simple that when used in a natural way (aka not a new high rise condo) it will just look timeless and simple. (sources: 1, , )

Copper: We saw copper hit it big in accessories last year and the trend is definitely there in the kitchen as well. Copper is timeless but be careful as its best played as a supporting actress. Copper and rose gold are as trendy as they are high quality – the cheaper the stuff the quicker it will go out of style. But otherwise good quality copper is classic and will never, ever offend anyone or go out of style. (sources: , , )

Longevity: Metals for me are one of those things that will always stay in style, so if it is done right I give it quite a bit of life ahead of it.

Chrome and Stainless Steel: Silver has taken a major backseat the last 10 years – like the back seat of the bus. But its always been a mainstay in the kitchen that is gaining even more traction this year. Stainless steel cabinets are back (for the right house) and looking better than ever when paired with organic elements and warmer tones (although I’m secretly still scared). To keep it from going to hospital/surgery room make sure you bring in life to the kitchen through some warmer wood tones, natural elements, or a pop of color.

Longevity: Long. Silver/chrome is always big in kitchens but be more careful with nickel as that can read less beautiful and more ‘contemporary’. (sources: , 2, )

What are your favorite trends? What are you ready to adopt or what do you think should already go back in the grave? Could you handle stainless steel cabinetry???????

*Craving some more of my color and trend predictions for this year? Stay tuned for a new series where we will show you our predictions for color trends this year and how you can bring them into your space. In the meantime check out these 90’s colors that have made a comeback in the design world. testtest

I also have a very rustic farmhouse table with my molded plastic chairs and I love the look ( the chairs are super kid friendly). But I see that combo so much these days, I’m wondering if I will tire of it prematurely….I have a set of vintage wishbone chairs too. But they look so serious with the table that I wanted something more fun once I had kids.

I was wondering the same about Eames chairs. I’m seeing them a lot in Farmhouse styled rooms (which I have) so I was thinking about replacing my Windsor chairs with the Eames to add a touch of Modern. But my husband says they look cheap. I thought they were a classic chair but he started pointing out on TV shows whenever he’d spot one. And they were mostly used in cafeterias or cheap restaurants. They are very affordable so now I’m concerned they will look cheap.

love this post! Already looking forward to the next trend post. It’s wonderful to get some validation that the things I love like two tone cabinets and marble are still going strong. Thoughts on Quartz v granite? What will be the long term countertop de jour??

Yes yes yes. This is such an interesting and helpful post. This long weekend resulted in some impromptu kitchen reno at our house! And your post is so helpful being reminded/educated on what makes a kitchen timeless. Pinterest has been killing me with trendy-trends everywhere, and forgetting what a timeless kitchen would look like.

I’m noticing a distinct lack of subway tile mentioned here… I feel like we all could have said that in 2012…

Great trend round-up! I’ve been fantasizing about cement tiles or cool-shaped tiles for my backsplash. Here in New York everyone is still obsessed with the white subway tile/dark grout look. I love it, but I’m also so over it because it’s been done a billion times.

I could NOT do stainless steel cabinets (or countertops). I don’t even like my SS appliances. Too much work to keep clean, too easily scratched and dented, and it all looks like a restaurant kitchen– industrial, cold, clinical and no personality. Blech.

I love this post!! Kitchen finishes always throw me off. Oil rubbed bronze? brushed nickel? CHROME?! But that stainless steel kitchen. Swoon. I don’t know if I could live there but it sure is pretty to look at!! Loving the sources to the farmhouse style chairs as well. The struggle to make farmhouse (I can’t say ‘country,’ I just can’t) look chic is REAL. (Because really I have a love affair with that California eclectic too…) Maybe I’ll start my own style… Southern Eclectic… Anywho, Thanks Emily!!!

I love the copper and the traditional farm house looks. I’m really into incorporating modern elements into traditional style and that’s the look we’re trying to go for in our new home right now. I really love the look of the open shelving but I don’t think we could pull it off in our house with two little ones!

I love charcoal gray walls and patterned tiles. I would never install patterned tiles because we are not wealthy and there are certain trends that are pricey to remove (labor etc.). I like a clean palette like a blank canvas and work my way around it so that when a trend goes, I can change without too much of an expense. But if I was wealthy, well, I’d go crazy with anything!

I am loving all of these. I would be pretty scared to paint my kitchen black, even though I have quite a bit of light. We are working on a mother-in-law suite addition and I cannot wait to make it all bright and white! Thanks for all the great ideas.
-Shonee

EMILY!!! When I read that you were changing things on your blog late last year, I was a little nervous. But holy cow, you are hitting it out of the park with all these wonderful design posts!!! Your posts on the biggest design regrets, and on avoiding faux anything (amen sister!) were great, and now you hit us with this round-up of kitchen trends?! I am just loving it! Anyone can cruise and repost a bunch of popular pins, but you give us the whys behind it all, and what your educated thoughts are so we can grow as well. That just puts you and your blog in another league all together. Thank you, thank you. I am so excited to see what you have in store for us next!

Something that makes any trend a “favorite” of mine is one that works in the space. Modern homes and industrial spaces WANT a more trendy/modern kitchen. Victorian homes (like mine) do beautifully with things like encaustic tiles, painted cabinets and traditional, natural materials (marble, wood) and metal finishes (natural brass, polished nickel, etc.)

I love beautiful wood cabinets in a mid-century home.

For a traditional/contemporary home, I love the stacked-cabinet “trend” it looks traditional enough to be timeless, but we really didn’t see it so much until recently. Goodbye soffits and that empty space above the cabinets.

I am of the opinion that open shelving only really works editorially. I mean it is absolutely gorgeous, but in real life? Not so much. (And I am speaking as someone with styled, minimalist china cabinets…) I just cannot keep that lever of aesthetic consciousness going on a day-to-day basis in a room like the kitchen. Sometimes my husband actually does the dishes, and I really don’t want to make it any harder for him to get it “right.”

Understand what you mean, but it is doable. I have done all my everyday plates, bowls, cups, and serving bowls and platters and pots and pans on shelves and loved it.

It worked bc they were used regularly and I kept the cups upside down to prevent dust. Cabinets were for less-than-pretty bakeware and plastics.
Was easy even for hubs to maintain because it was so basic: all dinner and serving-ware and pots out, everything else in. Only one color and type of each thing, so pretty fool-proof.

I own a 1913 craftsman and am loving subway tile, dark grey, open shelving, brass ect, but i love this article because now that I finally have a house I fear trends and am leaning towards more timeless historic but still hip. subway tile will always be in I think, but brass is one. . . . I LOVE it right now but c’mon, don’t you think in 10 years we might be like “remember when brass was everywhere?’ What do you think. You touched on copper and I know you are using a lot of brass, but seriouslly, you don’t think geometrics and brass are going to be so 2015?

I think that anything that is historically accurate (or period referenced) weathers the trends better that other options, meaning that while subway tiles may be a “trend” in new construction, they are certainly an historically accurate option for a house built in the early 1900s. As for brass, like anything, there is good brass and bad brass. Brass has been used around water FOREVER. I sail on a 200 year old tall ship, and believe me, it’s not just a trend there.

I agree with you. I agree with good brass and bad brass. I just worry the “good brass” i like, I worry I wont’ look at it the same day one day. There are certain things with kitchens I used to love like black and white checker floors and stuff (for example 15 years ago) that I am so over now. I guess that’s my point. Things I thought were sure fire, charming and timeless. . . . I’ve been proven that I am officially over them.

I also get really confused and feel anxious about brass fixtures but then does that mean everything has to be brass or some chrome or nickel in there is fine. . . ???? For example, I will probably recreate craftsman cabinets with historical latches. They make the latches brass too, I saw a great post on 1912 bungalow that used brass latches, but silver is more accurate. I also know my husband would probalby scream at that much brass. I guess that’s where I get confused. vintage stove with silver, silver latches, but then brass sink and lights??? I can’t figure out the balance.

I love marble and the two tone cabinets! If someday we buy our own house i will consider these two. But i am staying away from open shelving! Who’s gonna dust them all the time? No, thank you! Until then, we are lucky enough to be healthy and enjoy our family!

A couple shelves really isn’t a big deal to occasionally dust. You wipe down your counters all the time anyway. The DISHES, though… That would be a pain. I loved my shelving but purposely only kept out pieces that we used frequently. Dust wasn’t an issue.

I would disagree with the “metals never go out of style” comment. 80’s shiny gold faucets were very out of style for a long time, only now making a comeback, but still not in the cruise ship gaudy shine!

The oil rubbed bronze (blech) is the shiny brass of now.

We were thinking of matte black faucets to our bath, but then decided on shiny polished chrome or nickel. It seems like a less trendy option, that would last. Plus the matte black was hideously expensive!

I say, stay away from dark faucets. We are replacing ours as they REALLY show mineral deposits. And the minerals go further as to actually eat away at the finish, so it’s not just a matter of keeping them clean – they are dissolving! I think classic chrome always looks clean and crisp.

Our kitchen is a standard kitchen flip, which came with the house when we bought it 2 years ago. I’m not a fan but I’m too scared to change it because anything kitchen related is so expensive.

I did, however, create the kitchen that I really wanted (open shelves) with our Airbnb guesthouse. I’m so glad that you’re predicting that open shelves are here to stay because even remodeling that tiny kitchen cost way more than I had anticipated.
Here’s a photo:

Love your take on these trends, with two exceptions: the plywood (no, just NO!) and the copper. We once rented a vacation house with copper in the kitchen and it was a disaster to clean. Even after it was cleaned, it still looked messy. Copper is way too fussy to be functional, in my opinion.

I love open shelves. Ten years ago, we bought a 100-year old craftsman home that had open shelving along one wall of the kitchen. I was certain that we would be swapping those out for traditional cabinets within a few months. Surprisingly, they quickly became one of my favorite features of our kitchen.

I have a question. Two tone cabinets, dark on bottom, light on top. How do you handle full length cabinets, like fridge casings and pantries. I note that you painted yours white, like the upper cabinets. Is that a general recommendation or specific to your choice of white appliances.

As always, I am still loving your blog for the great tips, good resources, and of course your joyful, humorous spirit.

I think you can go either way (the upper or lower color) with full length. For example, if you had a full length pantry you could have it go the dark color for the whole way. Here is a great example where they did that in the kitchen and I think it looks great!

Great post, as always! We just moved into a 1962 southern two-story house, and I love everything–except for the original kitchen. I can’t wait to tear it out. Hopefully whoever has this house after me in 50 years won’t think the same of my own kitchen remodel!

Love this post, Emily! We are modeling our kitchen after one that you have photographed above….. with the charcoal cabinets and subway tiles inside and clear glass. How do you feel about farmhouse sinks with the exaggerated restaurant style faucet?

I don’t understand the comment about the longevity of plywood cabinets. Plywood is far preferable (and more durable) than MDF, which is what a lot of cabinet boxes are made out of. I get that the look of exposed ply isn’t for everyone, but I’d bet most of the cabinets you see here are plywood, with *maybe* solid wood fronts.

One shelf or open shelves will never be me- I am not that neat! I know this, as much as I love the look.
The stainless steel I love, but boy does it need to be warmed up. If you cover the bag of groceries in the first example, removing that organic element, you’re practically left with an operating room. Now, with a gorgeous butcher-block table instead of the cafe table foreground, maybe a cutting board or wood fruit dish, the space is warmer.
I’d also add a rug for the cat.
And a cat.

Perfect timing as I was just about to start DIY a little kitchen makeover. I have builders grade oak cabinets that I can’t afford to replace and an ugly slate blacksplash. I plan on painting the cabinets gray, doing a subway tile with dark grout backsplash, and getting gold hardware and faucet. I don’t really care about it’s longevity and am just going for what I like right now. Eventually I plan on doing a complete kitchen reno, but for now anything is better than the awful oak. I can’t wait!!

Although I love open shelves and one shelf I know I am nowhere near neat enough to make that look.
I love the stainless kitchen with the herringbone wood floor, but the grocery bag adds so much warmth to the space, once it’s gone you could do sugery in there! It needs some more wood- like a butcher block or reclaimed wood table where the cafe table is. Or maybe some color in a rug. And a cat.
(Sorry if this posted twice)

I would LOVE to see more designers using wood stained cabinets & trim. I have stained trim in my home & all of this white everywhere does nothing for me. It looks good but I’m not going to paint every bit of wood in my home to get that look. My stain is medium/dark, so it’s not out of date light oak. I like it & have found that gray paint really keeps the stain from looking brassy.

And having stainless steel appliances – hell no. I’d never have cabinets in it and will never buy stainless again!

LOVED this post. We are planning on re-doing our kitchen and it was great to see your perspective on current trends and how long you anticipate them to last. I definitely don’t want to put a lot of money into something that is going to be completely out of date in a few years!

Re: black kitchens. What a great way to go bold in the kitchen while still really remaining neutral. Pair with the basket lights and windsor/shaker/farmhouse style chairs, and the space will become really warm and inviting.

Also, those are some of the best examples of plywood cabinets I have ever seen. Another great way of going bold while still remaining neutral. And if you get sick of them; you can always paint them black. 🙂

I do really enjoy copper accents but could never make it a big feature. I’m toying with the idea of simply purchasing a copper floor lamp but get the feeling in the next 10 years, I’ll be sick of it. A simple grey or off white would have a lot more longevity.
I think marble is beautiful, when done right, and adds so much lightness to a room and feels so different but calming in a kitchen.

Really like the layout and content of this post. Of course, I will never agree with the open shelving trend: I have open shelving out of space necessity, and I find it aggravating. Yes, it looks wonderful, but I’m constantly dusting pieces off before I can use them.

Such a useful post! I love most of the styles here, especially the dark cabinets, copper accessories, marble, open shelving etc! Unfortunately, open shelving would likely be a romantic dream… or maybe I could do with a couple of open shelving just because. Ah we’ll see. I’m not a very neat person you see haha!

I would definitely add under counter appliances to this list, well at least I added those to my list a bit earlier when I stumbled upon a website called huhudesign.com and I couldn’t help myself…long story short, my kitchen is being remodeled using quite a few under counter appliances.
Thanks for a good article!

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Im doing a new kitchen (newly built home) and have gone for a glossy white cabinet and super long white island with ‘organic white’ ceasar stone benchtops – Ive decided on a Smokey blue large subway tile which I’m having my tiler lay in a herringbone style with white grout – I think the room being a large open plan needs a splash of colour so fingers crossed I don’t regret it!?! gah…im nervous!

That sounds gorgeous. I love the idea of a little color. And “smoky blue” sound rather neutral, I am sure you will love it for years to come. And while I’m sure someone will try to talk you out of the white grout because it “darkens” easily, I think for a backsplash you are just fine. The white will make the pattern pop. Just make sure it’s sealed. Its going to be so pretty! (I think if the blue tile is for the floor, then I would consider options other than white grout.)

Oh man, fun run down, but you say everything has a long shelf life. So then it’s not a trend. They can’t all be trends. I’m sure someone said they thought travertine and oak cabinets would be forever, too.

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Emily is a stylist, author and T.V. host with a strong commitment to vintage inspired approachable home style for every single person. Perfection is boring; Let’s get weird. learn more

Interior Design Blog by Youxi988

I started this interior design blog in 2010 as a journal of my style and home projects with the belief that design should be approachable, informational and accessible no matter what budget.

As a home style expert who has a strong commitment to peeling back the intimidating layers of the world of home decor, and showing how every person can have a beautiful home that represents their personality, no matter what the budget.

After styling for magazines and catalogues for years, I started my own interior design blog, won HGTV Design Star, and have gone on to host my own hit TV show Secrets from a Stylist, Author the book STYLED, and create the design firm Youxi988 Design.

My motto has always been to write and publish on my blog what I personally want to read about.